GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In a significant step forward for the Big Four Depot Revitalization Project, the Galion City Council voted unanimously to approve the next phase during Tuesday’s regular meeting. The decision followed a heartfelt plea from a representative of the Friends of the Depot and extensive discussions among council members.
The council approved two key components of the plan. First, the Safety-Service Director of Galion is authorized to advertise for bids and enter into a contract with the lowest and best bidder for the renovations. Second, the Auditor of Galion is authorized to allocate necessary funds for the project, with a total not exceeding $2.5 million, plus an additional 20%. Funding will be sourced from the General Fund, Freese Fund, State Capital Bill Fund, and the Permanent Improvement Fund.
While the measure was met with enthusiasm from Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary, it was not without concerns raised by some council members. Councilwoman Cathy George expressed apprehension about ensuring that funds would be set aside for ongoing maintenance and repairs, similar to what homeowners would do for their properties. She noted that while the North Central Area Transit leasing commitment of $1,000 per month would cover HVAC and heating costs, it might not suffice for other expenses. George urged the council to develop a strategic plan for community engagement, historical events, and overall utilization of the Depot. “It’s too beautiful of a building to just sit,” George said. She told the council she would like to see community engagement, as well as historical events at the site.
Mayor O’Leary quickly countered George’s concerns, highlighting that the project’s plans had already passed scrutiny by JobsOhio, resulting in an $800,000 grant. “I would hate to think anyone in here was better at reading a business plan than they are,” he remarked, expressing confidence that there would be sufficient funding opportunities and income to at least break even.
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Councilwoman Marcia Yunker also raised concerns about the project’s financial sustainability, particularly regarding the city’s ability to meet the June 30 deadline for completion, given that the project has yet to go out to bid. She expressed concerns that another extension might not be granted by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), causing the city to lose crucial funding. Mayor O’Leary reassured the council that ODOT would not retract the funding.
The passage of the ordinance enables the city to move forward with soliciting bids for the renovations, though it does not finalize the project. Additional discussions will take place once bids are received to determine final funding allocations.
With the ordinance now approved, supporters of the project expressed relief, seeing it as a significant milestone after ten years of hard work by volunteers dedicated to revitalizing the Depot. Last night’s vote brought their long-held dreams closer to reality.